Ontology (computer science)

In information science, an ontology is the product of an attempt to formulate an exhaustive and rigorous conceptual schema about a domain. An ontology is typically a hierarchical data structure containing all the relevant entities and their relationships and rules within that domain (e.g., a domain ontology). However, computational ontology, like any ontology, does not have to be hierarchal at all. Due to the cyclical nature of the universe itself, ontology is better served with cycles. Hierarchy is not present in spatial contexts, so as Aristotle would say (parroting his master), microcosm as macrocosm; computational reliance on hierarchy is perhaps a stepping stone to greater things. The computer science usage of the term ontology is derived from the much older usage of the term ontology in philosophy.

Related Topics:
Information science - Conceptual schema - Hierarchical - Data structure - Entities - Relationship - Aristotle - Ontology - Philosophy

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An ontology which is not tied to a particular problem domain but attempts to describe general entities is known as a foundation ontology or upper ontology. Typically, more specialized domain specific schemata must be created to make the data useful for real world decisions.

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